Warning to motorists ahead of thunderstorms hitting Perth
Motorists are being urged to drive to conditions this WA Day long weekend, with showers and thunderstorms on the horizon for the Perth metro and southwest regions.
As the wet weather rolls in, Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner pleaded with commuters to drive with caution.
'The biggest concern for the Road Safety Commission this long weekend is everyone's rush to start their winter break,' he said.
'That haste and eagerness to get to where they're going as fast as they can, mixed with more cars on the road and bad weather is a deadly combination.'
In 2024, almost half of all traffic fatalities happened on roads with speed limits of 100km/h or higher, with most of these tragedies occurring in regional areas.
'Speed limits are the maximum safe speed under perfect road conditions; clear roads, no hazards and good weather – but when the conditions aren't favourable, busy roads, road works and bad weather, you need to slow down,' Mr Warner said.
'The speed limit is just that, a limit, not a target. Be courteous to one another on the road, slow and steady is the safe and sensible way to go.'
Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast to kick off in the Perth and southwest regions from Thursday afternoon, with heavy falls also possible along the west coast.
On Friday, up to 20mm of rain is expected for Perth, while Mandurah could see up to 25mm.
The wet weather is expected to continue through the weekend and into next week.
Particular caution is advised on Monday as holidaymakers return home, with widespread rainfall totals of 20-40mm expected and possible thunderstorms throughout the southwest.
Double demerits will be in place from 12.01am on Friday to 11.59pm on Monday June 2.
Commander Mike Peters of the Road Policing Command reminded motorists that officers could be anywhere and at anytime over the long weekend.
'WA Police will take an increased enforcement approach during the upcoming long weekend, targeting 'The Fatal Five', which continues to be over represented in fatal and serious crashes,' he said.
'This includes an increase in the number of high visibility patrols particularly within a 400-kilometre radius from Perth.
'Our officers do not want to knock on your door during this long weekend to deliver devastating and life changing news about the loss of a loved one on our roads.
'The message is simple, don't speed. Every police vehicle across the state will be undertaking some sort of road enforcement and our safety camera fleet will also be out in force.'
FRIDAY: 23C, showers and likely storms
SATURDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms
SUNDAY: 22C, showers
MONDAY: 22C, showers and chance of storms
TUESDAY: 20C, showers and chance of storms
WEDNESDAY: 20C, showers and chance of storms
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